McCaw to fulfil Ellis Park dream

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw admits he will be fulfilling a lifelong ambition when leading his side out at Ellis Park on Saturday.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw admits he will be fulfilling a lifelong ambition when leading his side out at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The illustrious flanker has yet to face the Springboks at the daunting Johannesburg stadium, and emphasised how keen he is to take centre stage in one of South Africa's most iconic arenas.

"Growing up, you heard that this is the place to really test yourself, the reason why they call it test rugby," McCaw told reporters on Friday.

"This will be my first Test here and the boys and I are pretty excited about it.

"All the guys have played Super Rugby here, but this will be something pretty different and a really big challenge. The atmosphere will be tough and pretty noisy; it always is when we play in South Africa."

McCaw, returning to the side for the first time since injuring his knee against Argentina last month, is adamant his condition will hold up throughout what is sure to be an immensely physical encounter.

"I wouldn't push myself to play if I wasn't ready, I have done all I can to get fit and I feel like I am there," he added.

With the Boks requiring a four-try bonus point for Championship victory, the captain expects his team to face an early onslaught from the hosts.

"The first 15 minutes are pretty key to behonest and we expect them to come at us, but hopefully our boys will be on the same level. The Rugby Championship is on the line and we just need to stick to our game-plan and perform."